News writer, Interviewer
Someone in Newnan, Georgia, just became $980 million richer.
A single Mega Millions ticket matched all six numbers in Friday night's drawing. The win marks the largest jackpot in Georgia Lottery history. But who is this lucky winner? What do we actually know about them?
The basics: a Quik Pik ticket from Publix
The winning ticket was sold at Publix #1816 on 4000 N. Highway 29 in Newnan. It was a Quik Pik, meaning the numbers were computer-generated rather than hand-picked. The winning numbers were: 1-8-11-12-57 with a Mega Ball of 7.
The winner can choose between the $980 million annuity paid over 30 years or a lump sum cash value of $452.2 million.
The winner's identity
The winner hasn't come forward. They have 180 days from the November 14 draw date to claim their prize.
Will they stay anonymous? Georgia law allows full anonymity for lottery winners. It's up to the winner to decide. Smart winners typically consult with financial advisors and attorneys before stepping forward. The bigger the prize, the more planning required.
How does this win compare?
This jackpot shatters Georgia's previous record. The old record was a $478.2 million Powerball ticket sold in Buford for the October 23, 2024, drawing. Two people shared that prize and took the cash option of $230.6 million.
Nationally, this $980 million prize ranks as the eighth-largest Mega Millions jackpot ever. It's also the biggest prize won in November in the game's history.
The jackpot had been rolling since June 27, when a Virginia ticket won $348 million. That's 40 drawings without a winner—the longest run in Mega Millions history.
The retailer wins too
Publix #1816 will receive a $50,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket. Any Georgia Lottery retailer that sells a jackpot winner earns this incentive. Not a bad day for a grocery store.
Where the money goes
Mega Millions tickets in Georgia cost $5 per play with a multiplier included. You can buy them at retailers statewide, through the Georgia Lottery app, or website if you're a Georgia resident with a Georgia address.
Drawings happen Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m. ET.
Every ticket sold supports Georgia's HOPE Scholarship Program and Pre-K Program. Since its first year, the Georgia Lottery has returned more than $29.8 billion to education in the state. More than 2.25 million students have received HOPE scholarships. More than 2.2 million four-year-olds have attended the voluntary prekindergarten program.
"With every Mega Millions ticket sold in Georgia supporting HOPE and Pre-K, Georgia's students and families are also big winners," Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin said.
What happens next?
The winner is likely making some calls right now. Financial planners. Tax attorneys. Maybe a security consultant. They'll need to decide: annuity or lump sum? How to structure the money? Who to trust?
One thing is certain. Life in Newnan will never be the same for one very lucky person.
Check your tickets. Mega Millions has nine ways to win.
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